This course will introduce you to the most common fish families and species found in temperate and tropical waters. You'll also learn basic fish identification and scientific survey techniques as well as how important personal involvement is in aquatic conservation.

This course is designed to introduce divers to the most common families and species of fish found in temperate and tropical waters. Divers learn basic fish identification and scientific surveying techniques. Through an overview of Project AWARE and other preservation and research efforts, such as the REEF Fish Survey Project, divers also learn the importance of personal involvement in aquatic environment conservation.

This course covers the knowledge and techniques for identifying fish common
to the local area.

1. The Project AWARE philosophy about protecting worldwide aquatic ecosystems.
   
2. Fish family groupings and common characteristics of fish species found in the local area.
   
3. Fish surveying techniques and strategies for collecting valid data.
   
4. The planning, organization, and procedures for identifying
   fish families and species while diving.